Review: Emotional Rescue can be relied on to dig up obscure, left of centre dance gems and serve them up to newer, wider audiences. Adu's reggae-pop cut 'Burkina Faso' is a great example, re-purposed for the dancefloor without any of its original flavour lost in the overhaul. A
South Saharan/West African emigre to Brixton, Rauf Adu would go on to fairly sizeable European fame with the Eddy Grant-esque 'Human To Human'. This, however, is his 1982 debut for Copasetic Records, another reggae-pop inspired, ludicrously catchy effort with scorched electric guitar and a Compass Point-style drum/bassline providing rhythmic rocksteadiness. As well as the buffed up original, there's a dub mix, which gives his beautiful guitar plenty of room to breathe, and an appearance from the Isle of Jura Sound System boss Kevin Griffiths , whose remix completes the trio of mixes.
Review: Dave Barker of 'Double Barrel' fame is back on the mix here for the Original Gravity label. This is the second form the many in as many months and is on the faster end of the reggae tempo scale so prepare to be swept up and skanking in no time. The lo-fi 60s reggae and early ska vibes are strong on this one as the dancing Hammond organ chords compliment Barker's effortless flow. Horn stabs and drums with infectious swagger complete the a-side 'Peace of Mind'. On the flip, The Regulators offer up a nice and laidback, deep-cut dub version with 'Jamaican beat.'
Review: The Original Gravity label's Reggae Dynamite series sure is packed full of dance floor heat. This fourth volume turns up the temperature once more, starting with Dave Barker's 'Move It On Now' with spoken word mic work over a guitar laced riddim. Woodfield Rd Allstars bring plenty of big horn energy and hints of ska to their 'San Salvario Stomp' then appear again on the flip with the organ-lead sounds of mid tempo wobbler 'Norwegian Wood'. Melbourne Douglas completes the picture with 'Wheel & Come Again', another raw as you like and classic sound.
Review: Rocksteady era combo The Bleechers put out a lot of music in a short period of time, with the entirety of their bustling catalogue recorded and released between 1968 and'71. For much of that period they were associated with the Upsetter himself, the late Lee 'Scratch' Perry, and it's two of his productions for the act that are showcased on this Harlem Shuffle 7". Originally released via Upsetter Records in 1969, and tricly to find ever since, 'Come Into My Parlour' is a jaunty, organ-rich affair in which soulful vocals and heady Hammond licks rise above a classic, late-60s Upsetter groove. B-side 'Check Him Out' is equally as alluring, with an arguably stronger vocal and more prominent guitar licks replacing the pair's favoured Hammond B3.
Review: The Blue Beat players step up to Japan's Green Union label with a pair of heavily ska-influenced and uptempo reggae rockers. 'Scootering On!' taps into that scene's love of a Lambretta and the joys that day rides bring, all with twisted guitar lines and some big, body brass energy. On the flip, 'Marseille Soleil' is a more subdued sound with warm, smeared organ chords, more lazy and gentle horn work and a rhythm that sways to and fro on fat dub undercurrents. Two lovely cuts on a very nice 7".
Review: Guillaume Metenier is Booker Gee, a master edit maker and studio wizard who has made his name with some much wanted work on Lucien Entertainment as well as more than once on this label. His second release this month is a trip into the world of ska. 'Out In The Rain' is a perfect sweet spot between rolling reggae rhythms, warm organ chords and skipping kicks. The mood is sensuous and inviting as Gee blends sweet soul with playful funk. The version is only a subtle rework, resining plenty of the charm and allure of the original.
Boss Capone Meets Keith Rowe - "Will You Still Be My Girl Tomorrow" (2:53)
Boss Capone - "Trouble Town" (3:31)
Review: Boss Capone from The Upsessions collaborates with Keith Rowe of the legendary Jamaican duo Keith & Tex on this new release which is well worth hearing. The A-side features a love-inspired rocksteady gem while the flip offers a roots-oriented banger. Boss Capone shared his experience of making this one, saying "I recorded a song called 'My Girl Tomorrow.' I was struggling with it and wanted a voice full of soul. Keith kindly added his vocals, completing the beautiful puzzle." Each copy includes a recycled paper insert and both of these tunes will remind of summer with their earth rhythms and laidback, dusty drums.
Review: For the latest in their series of "giant 45s" - loud 12" pressings of classic cuts from the Studio One vaults - Soul Jazz has decided to offer-up a fresh pressing of Brentford All Stars' 'Greedy G'. Based on James Brown classic 'Get On The Good Foot', the track was famously sampled by Boogie Down Productions on their iconic cut 'Jack of Spades'. It remains a bona fide party classic, adding a bass-heavy, Hammond-heavy reggae spin to Brown's insatiable funk groove. As it did the last time Soul Jazz issued it back in 1988, it comes backed with the deeper and more laidback 'Granny Scratch Scratch', another classic cut from Studio One's in-house backing band.
Wackies Rhythm Force - "Hard To Find" (version) (3:07)
Review: Annette Brissett grew up in the USA even though she is a noted reggae vocalist. Her influences are the likes of Otis Redding and the Wailers and she also plays several instruments. 'Hard To Find' is one of her most well-known tunes and it pairs electronic reggae with prog rock guitars and her own soulful vocals. It's curious and compelling and has some funk deep in its bones. The version is provided by Wackies Rhythm Force who strip the vocals and make more of the noodling prog guitars and dubby swagger.
Review: Boston's Cultures Of Soul present some edits here of underrated Belizean artist Bredda "David" Obi whose musical style known as "Kungo Muzik" mixes key flavours from his home with reggae and calypso to rock and funk to formulate a modern tropical style. Years later, DJs and record collectors found his music in basements of record stores in Los Angeles and Brooklyn - some of which are featured here. Sol Power All-Stars will get you stoned into the groove with their acid-inflected rework of "Dancin'", L.A.'s DJ Duckcomb works the original's lo-slung dub influence on "Experience" while the ever reliable Justin Van Der Volgen similarly accentuates the reggae swagger of "Sunshine". A tribute to a legend!
Review: Here's a killer reissue from the Soul Jazz archives which is finally getting a repress. It's hardly surprising when the reissue becomes as sought after as the holy grail original jam from 1970, a sublime instrumental anthem of soulful, skanking perfection with Cedric Im Brooks flexing his sax in glorious style over a beautifully rough n' ready rhythm. It was shortly after this recording was laid down Brooks went on to form The Mystic Revelation of Rastafari with Count Ossie, which tells you all you need to know about the heritage we're dealing with here.
Review: Robert "Dubwise" Browne is a skilled musician who can lay down perfect basslines, lovely keyboard overdubs and excite drum programming. H does all that and more on this super laidback and heartfelt dub for the Japanese label Vortex. 'Tracks of Love' is the sound of a lazy afternoon walk in the park with a new love, without a care in the world and hearts in your eyes. The Balearic guitar solo that rings out midway through is utterly soul melting. The guitar dub makes even more of that aspect of the original.
Review: This is a crucial 45 from Freestyle Records which separates out two tracks from their recent Bunny Scott reissue project. It is a brilliant showcase of Scott's early-Black Ark debut LP with Blaxploitation-influenced funk track 'Kinky Fly' kicking off. It has backing band members from The Chi-Lites' on board as well as a nice horn section and Chinna Smith's wah-wah guitar. The whole thing is overdubbed with synths to add to the mood. 'Sweet Loving Love' is more upbeat, with sunny towlines and rolling rhythms.
You Don't Love Me (No No No) (feat Delroy Williams) (3:38)
You Know How To Make Me Feel So Good (5:01)
Review: Susan Cadogan is an esteemed reggae vocalist who has been since the 1970s. Now she continues her musical journey with this cover single which is taken from her excellent 2020 album Hurt So Good - Storybook Revisited, distributed by Burning Sounds. Side-A features a rendition of the reggae classic by Dawn Penn, while Side-B offers a sweet soul interpretation of Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes' track. Enhanced with Japanese-inspired artwork on the jacket, this release showcases Cadogan's timeless talent and versatility as it bridges the gap between reggae and soul music across generations.
Review: Susan Cadogan's first live performance in Italy with The Magnetics was recorded in 2019 and is now getting released on long player. The vinyl features her chart-topping hit 'Hurt So Good,' which was produced by the legendary Lee Perry, alongside tracks from her 48-year career. Highlights include the 2017 comeback single 'Take Me Back,' and 'My Oh My,' which was a duet with The Magnetics that quickly sold out its 7" release. The LP overall captures a magic night that showcases the greatest hits from Cadogan's illustrious career.
Review: The hard-digging record fiends at Kalita are back with more brilliance. This one is the first-ever retrospective of work by Jamaican-born artist Desmond Chambers. The first tine is a proudly politically aware tune previously only avialbel on his 1987 album Tiger Born, while the single 'The Morning Show' has before now only been available as the B side of little known single 'I Have Seen Love In Your Eyes.' The two other tracks are mega cult, hugely loved acid-infused dub snakers with boogie-infused rhythms. Original copies will cost you a huge amount so make sure you snap this one up asap.
Review: The magical 'All in My Life' is an unreleased and heartbroken lovers rock steady track sung by a humble figure over a smooth rhythm. While missing the glamour of a horn section, it's driven by a lilting organ reminiscent of Buster Allstars. The B-side, 'Dancing Floor,' is the only song Gregory Isaacs recorded under Buster's production and so it is a rather rare gem. It features a melancholic melody and Isaacs' signature sweet voice that very much come from the golden age of early reggae. Both tracks showcase a raw side of the genre and as they are lesser known, they are sure to make a big impact whenever played.
Review: You can't beat some proper old school ska and that's exactly what this is from Cosmic Shuffling, despite the fact it is actually brand new. The band took rocksteady and ska heads by storm with big tunes like 'Eastern Ska' and 'Short Break' from their first album 'Magic Rocket Ship' and now carry that on with this fresh new 45rpm. 'Jupiter's Garden' is swaggering horn-led lushness and 'Asteroid Field I' is busier with more expressive sax leads. It comes pressed on just 90 copies all in handmade screen printed and numbered sleeves with pantone silver ink label too so it's a real collector's piece.
Review: Timeless digital roots and dub from The Disciples here featuring the late Jamaican singer Creation Stepper, who i most famously well known for his iconic 70s roots reggae classics. This release includes a fresh take on Stepper's 1978 track, 'Kill Nebuchadnezzar' and it is paired with another vocal gem, 'Ozone Layer,' plus two powerful dub versions. Originally mixed and produced by Russ D in The Disciples' studio in 1991, this music finally saw the light of day in 2011 on the Disciples Vintage label where it quickly sold out. Now back on a great sounding 12", this is a must for roots and dub heads.
Joe Gibbs & The Professionals - "Golden River" (3:33)
Review: Whether or not it is a coincidence that we are fast approaching 420 and ever more weed-related 7"s are dropping we do not know, but nor do we care. Culture's 'Callie Weed Song' is going to bang whatever day of the year you drop it, so long as you play it loud. It's got carefree keys and ganglier guitars accompanying the traditional reggae groove and some super stoned-sounding vocal musings on top. Joe Gibbs & The Professionals then appear on the flip with something just as summer, laid back and seductive in the form of the great 'Golden River.' Let's not get into what that title may or may not refer to.
Review: The Harlem Shuffle label comes through with another one of its well chosen and crucial 7"s, this time from Carl Dawkins. As always with this label it is a highly sought after tune that was first only ever put out as a B-side to the One Dollar Of Music release. It's a fat and chunky rhythm with rolling drums and earthy acoustic guitars, impassioned vocals from Dawkins and plenty of sunny vibes. On the flip is 'Hot & Sticky' which is a little more upright but just as hot and steamy.
Dub Specialist - "No, No, No" (Creator version) (3:09)
Review: Soma sub-label Avoidant Records recently put out a fantastic collection fo electro cuts but it was a digital only release. Now some of the standouts from it get pulled together on this fresh new 12"that joins the dots between Europe and Detroit. DJ Godfather kicks off with some rapid fire 313 electro, squirrelling bass and slick claps then 'One Direct Line' from The Exaltics is more cosmic and blissed out with lush ambient synths. On the flip, Flug goes hard with mad digital patterns and Blaktony layers up jacking drums, corrugated bass and dark hits. Great stuff.
George Dekker & The Inn House Crew - "Nana" (3:28)
The Inn House Crew, George Dekker & Oxman - "It Sweet SA" (feat Vin Gordon) (3:26)
Review: George Dekker was a founding member of The Pioneers, a hit reggae group who'd plenty of UK chart success with big tunes like 'Long Shot Kick de Bucket,' 'Let Your Yeah be Yeah' and 'Sweet Inspiration'. Here, for a special Record Store Day 20210 release, we get a remake of 1968 tunes 'Nana.' It first came on the Trojan label and is a highly sought after original that fetches plenty. It's a super sweet tune with lazy horns and a swaggering riddim. On the backside is a version with MC the Oxman and legendary Studio One and Bob Marley trombonist Vin Gordon. This one is a sympathetic version that only tweaks the signal a little.
Review: Legendary reggae partnership Junior Dell and The D Lites are bcc with more of their charming sounds on the one and only Original Gravity label. This latest crucial 7" starts with 'Step On' which is all warm and fuzzy with plenty of vinyl cracking built into the mix. The swaggering drums are topped with horns, fills and some stylish vocals that you will well recognise from a classic of the same name by The Happy Mondays. There is much more florid attitude to the fat horns that very much take centre stage on flip-side sound 'Meanwhile On The 15th Floor', though the Hammond organs are also superb.
Prince Alphonso & The Fever - "Malostran-Ska" (2:42)
Junior Dell & The D Lites - "Remember To Forget" (2:51)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Beseda Blues" (2:43)
Review: The superb Original Gravity label is back with more OG reggae brilliance and ska classics. This second volume of Ska Fever kicks off with a big stepper from Junior Dell & The D Lites in the form of 'Rude Girl' while Prince Alphonso & The Fever bring big playful brass to 'Malostran-Ska' and Junior Dell & The D Lites then return on the flipside of this 7" with 'Remember To Forget' which picks up the pace and is built on a hardcore rhythm. The legendary Woodfield Rd Allstars shut things down with a more melancholic vibe on 'Beseda Blues.'
Review: Junior Dell & The D-Lites are one of reggae's most accomplished outfits and they have a vast arsenal of tunes to back that up. This one is one of many delightful dubs - and it now makes its way to us via Original Gravity. 'East Of Hurghada' has a noodling melodic lead and nice dusty drums with a more textured horn eventually taking the main stage. On the flip, Woodfield Rd Allstars step up with 'Lickle Fat Mattress' which is another blend of ska, reggae and dub with some natty keys.
Review: DJ Cat comes through on Scruniversal here as the young label continues to go from strength to strength early in its existence. This time he serves up some re-edits and reworks of old and rare records from Scru's friends' collections. Up first is 'Roots & Culture' which is a languid funk workout with Prince style vocals bring some libidinous vibes up top while sci-fi synths and raw claps and perc all flesh out the groove. 'Possibelle' then cuts loose on a much more laid back and steamy summer vibe with the sort of chords that have you laying back in the park and staring up at a cloudless sky.
Review: Original Gravity Records turn out the essential 45s like no body's business. Next ump for the vital label is a brace of covers from The Regulators. It is one of two new 7"s they have out right now and is limited to just 50 copies. It carries on from previous releases with Melbourne Douglas and The Regulators covering tunes with an early reggae, Britpop style. The vocals here from a certain indie band get re-sung and reframed. They passionate and singable, with a natty reggae beat and nice warm chords. The flip side is a dub for those who like it that way.
Review: Original rudeboy Roy Ellis is best known for his Symarip association. Here he's back with an all-new 7" that shows he is still on top of his game. 'Rudy Skankin' On The Moon' actually first dropped as a set of vocals by Melbourne Douglas on Original Gravity's Reggae Dynamite Vol. 2. Now it comes as a sequel to 'Skinhead Moonstomp' which was an OG skinhead reggae anthem by Ellis's Symarip. It's a timeless sound with all the swagger you would expect, great vocals and plenty of Hammond organ action. Flip it over for an early reggae version by the Woodfield Rd Allstars.
Review: Rock A Shaka comes thorough with more of the sort of sun-kissed and horizontal reggae sounds that have us dreaming of summer. This one finds Phil Francis working with The New Horizon Band on the heart-melting 'Smile On My Face'. It has fat, lazy drum wobbles with steamy trumpet motifs ringing out into a cloudless blue sky. Neat guitar riffs compliment the groove with a blue-eyed soul vocal up top and plenty of lovely lo-fi production finishing it in style. On the flip-side is a version without the vocal that still makes its way into your affections, but the vocal really is the one to beat.
Review: GrandMagnetto, masters of skanking pop reggae covers,
return with 'Everybody's Talkin' by Harry Nilsson, off of
the Midnight Cowboy soundtrack. Blundetto transformed
the track into a killer deep dubby hit. Both tracks are storming.
The Heptones - "Love Has Really Got A Hold Of Me" (3:50)
Woodfield Rd Allstars - "Breezin' Up Brentford Road" (3:44)
Review: If you're reading this you will already be familiar with Jamaican rocksteady and reggae vocal trio The Heptones and their very many lovely tunes. This one with Woodfield Road All Stars is as smooth as they come. 'Love Has Got A Hold Of Me' has slow motion grooves and lazy drums with the most gently persuasive acoustic riffs next to soul drenched and warm vocals. On the flipside is 'Breezin' Up Brentford Road' which has some lovely hammond organ vibes and an evn more laid back swagger to it.
Heptones - "Ain't That Bad" (with The Supersonics) (2:33)
Tommy McCook & The Supersonics - "Ska Jam" (2:51)
Review: For those truly in the know, rocksteady didn't begin with the legendary producer Coxsone Dodd. If you need any evidence then check out this tidy 7" which presses up a couple of tunes from before his era really began. Originally released in the mid-sixties on Caltone, it is an early jam from The Heptones who were already showing their class by this point. 'Ain't That Bad' is a bright cut with some captivating vocal harmonies as well as majestic horn leads and grooves that recall early ska. On the flipside that comes more to life with Tommy McCook's storming 'Ska Jam'.
Review: The uber powerful voice of Jamaican reggae singer songwriter John Holt appeared on countless seminal singles and albums - our favourite being 1974's superbly entitled 10000 Volts of Holt. It was a year earlier that he dropped this single on Clocktower. 'My Happiness' is a steady ska sound with natty acoustic guitar riffs and neat little motifs under a freeform trumpet that rises from the mix. His trademark gravelly vocals are all present and correct, too, of course, with a version on the flip that stops them away and leaves the drums to roll.
Review: Brixton Heights Records' 'This Crazy Feeling Called Love' is a collaborative single by the Brixton Heights Crew, Kieko De Stefanis, and Gaudi. The track features Mafia & Fluxi on drums and bass, Gaudi on piano and co-production, and contributions from the Ital Horns, N. Gatti, and R. Rassi. Legendary reggae singer Peter Hunnigale provides new English lyrics that have been adapted from an old reggae song by the Italian band Sensasciou. The A-Side showcases Hunnigale's iconic vocals, while the B-side, 'Caruggi Jazz,' is an instrumental tribute to Genoa's charming alleys with a dub-infused orchestral sound. Mixed by Gaudi and mastered by Augustus "Gussie" Clarke, this is sure to become a dancefloor hit.
Review: Inokashira Rangers are world-renowned for their abilities in covering some of the world's best-known songs in the modes of ska and reggae, with versions of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', 'Creep' and 'I'm Not In Love', all laid to sweet 7", dominating stores in recent years. Now the Japanese covertones throw a curveball, for once reworking some honoured dance music cuts. 808 State's 'Pacific State' and Derrick May's 'Strings Of Life' get a thorough skinhead reggae re-examining.
Review: Over the last decade, Inokashira Rangers have proved that you can turn pretty much any track - whether it's a TV theme tune, rave banger or grunge classic - into a reggae or rocksteady gem if you know what you're doing. They're at it again on their latest "45", which opens with a storming, largely instrumental reggae-soul version of Edwin Starr's 1968 soul classic '25 Miles'. Their version - full of reverb-laden drums, fuzzy organ motifs, mazy solos, warming bass and JB's guitars - is naturally hugely different to Starr's version, but recognisably the same song. Their flipside take on Spinners' classic 'It's a Shame' is rather more difficult, with the trio slowing it down to a skanking reggae crawl while retaining the familiar melodic refrain.
Review: Junior Dell & The Delights are back with a mighty fine new single that comes imbued with plenty of proper good old school ska and reggae values. It's an upbeat rhythm that will get you on your toes with its energetic horns and riffs, swaggering drums and superb vocal work. On the flip of this limited 7" is, of course, 'In A While Crocodile'. It's a continuation of the a-side with just as much swagger and energy. Both tunes are essential and mark another fine drop from this great modern day outfit.
Review: Versions of this have been used in several high-profile adverts which have helped bump up its popularity. It's a perennial favourite with funk and ska fans and that's why it once again gets reissued by Original Gravity. Junior Dell and The D-LITES did a fine job with cooking up their raw ska rendition of Mel Torme's classic 'Comin' Home Baby' with big stabs, driving drums and the great call and response vocals fearing Donnoya Drake are left intact for maximum effect. On the flip, a slightly more stripped-back Part 2 keeps the rhythm coming hard and fast.
Review: This one seems to get reissued every year, and for good reason: it's a mighty fine 7" from London reggae legends Junior Dell & The D-Lites, who are staples of the Original Gravity label and known for their expertise in vintage sounds. Many of their finest tracks have been reissued over the years and 'Twenty Flight Ska' is as worthy as any. It delivers a raw sound with punchy ska horns, smooth rhythms, and deep rolling bass. On the flip side, 'Orange Street Breakdown' takes a more laid-back approach while radiating warmth with its relaxed groove and sun-drenched melodies. Both tracks capture the beautiful essence of classic ska and reggae.
Junior Dell & The D-lites - "Just Can't Get Enough" (3:21)
Prince Alphonso & The Fever - "The Prince Of Port Antonio" (2:52)
Review: There are few better combos in reggae than Junior Dell & The D-Lites and Prince Alphonso & The Fever, and they are mainstays of the Original Gravity label. this endless treasure trove of timeless sounds turns up another fine double sider here in which Junior Dell's soulful vocals shine over The D-Lites' rich, vintage ska rhythms and rolling groove 'Just Can't Get Enough'. On the flip side, 'The Prince of Port Antonio' is a lively instrumental blending jazz-infused brass with a deep reggae swing. Both tracks nod to classic Jamaican sounds while keeping things fresh.
Review: London reggae band Junior Dell & The D-Lites are a superb combination who do a fine line in cooking up brilliant covers of nostalgic classics. Original Gravity is their home and after a few supper drops in summer they are back once again with 'I'm A Man'. It's a big old ska number with raw horns and hard hitting vocals delivered in a passionate style that is sure to get big reactions. On the flip, as is always the way, Woodfield Road Allstars step up with a more languid and laid-back dub sound for chilled out sessions.
Review: Kodama & The Dub Station Band is fronted by the talented dub trumpeter Kazufumi Kodama and together they recently presented their new cover album, COVER Song Collection featuring a selection of their versions of popular songs that they often call upon in their live performances. They have all been meticulously recorded in the studio and now one of them, inspired by Bob Marley's masterpiece 'Is This Love,' gets cut to 7". It finds Kodama transforming the classic into a vibrant instrumental rendition that captures Marley's positive vibes while offering a fresh take on the rhythms.
Review: Fresh off the back of a whole album of majestic covers, Kodama aka talented dub trumpeter Kazufumi Kodama and The Dub Station Band are serving up a selection of them on 7" singles. After Bob Marley's 'Is This Love' comes a fresh rendition of 'You've Got A Friend' which is another lovely blend of dub and reggae. With vibrant instrumentation and real rhythmic depth, the group breathes new life into the beloved Carole King song and emphasises a warm, uplifting atmosphere that invites listeners to connect with its heartfelt message of friendship and support. Bliss.
I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me (Keith Lawrence Refix version 1) (4:26)
I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me (Keith Lawrence Refix version 2) (4:32)
Review: Keith Lawrence is a DJ and producer from Brixton in South London with plenty of credentials, and here he serves up a pair of refixes of 'I Don't Know What It Is But Keep That Light Shining On Me', a reggae jam with an edge. The first one is laden with hooky guitar riffs and has soaring call-and-response vocals expanding the sound up top. The second is more raw and a little stripped back with a focus on the timeless rhythms and sounds. Two tunes that demand to be played loud and with bass - obviously - pushed to the max.
Review: The Liquidators is a streetpunk band from Santa Cruz. Back in the nineties they roamed around the local scene and recorded some tunes that are well worth hearing. This 7" on Pirates Press features two compositions that sit right up there with the best you can expect from this genre. 'Long Time Again' is a lo-fi ska and reggae fusion that swaggers back and forth with 60s guitar riffs and a dusty sense of soul. It's beautiful. 'Soul Steppin' is a much more upbeat and dance floor focussed tune with punchy street soul and another great set of male and female vocals. This particular 45rpm comes with its own comic book to enjoy while you get lost in the music.
Review: This double A-side is a classic release from 1967 on the Caltone label. The tracks showcase the richly and newly emerging rocksteady sounds of the era with the uncredited Lynn Taitt and The Jets providing the dynamic backing on Lloyd & The Groovers's 'Do It To Me Baby.' It's a buttery smooth vocal harmony with swaggering drums and bass combos and nice plucked guitars. On the flip the lo-fi and breezy 'Take My Hand' provides a deeper, more emotive groove with a whimsical edge.
Review: This is a special Record Store Day 2024 release that rights a wrong for hardcore Madness vinyl heads.
With the exception of 'Baggy Trousers,' 'Embarrassment' stood as the sole Madness single from the 80s not to receive a 12" release. This year's annual waxy celebrations however present a special opportunity to own it on vinyl as the classic Motown-inspired hit gets the coveted treatment as part of this six-track EP. Also included is the original 7" mix alongside a previously unreleased instrumental version meticulously crafted by Clive Langer, which offers fans a fresh perspective on this iconic Madness track.
Review: Sofia Manari and Inokasira Rangers are not strangers to working together on their own unique covers of some classic sounds, all reworked into fresh dub grooves. This time they turn their focus to 'First Love, which is a lush listen with Manari's soothing and sultry vocal delivery. On the flip is another laid-back dub sound with a constant rhythmic pulse, natty chords and more clean and soulful vocals from Manari making this a sweet little 7" from Japan's finest, Parktone.
Review: World renowned welder turned reggae icon Bob Marley is one of those musical gifts that keep on giving. His impeccable back catalogue is full of as many lesser known treasures as it is stone cold classic hits. Just in time for Christmas, JAD has put together a season delight from the vocal star with 'Selassie Is The Chapel' appearing on the A-side of this new 7". It is a superbly spiritual and lo-fi sound with distant and dusty drums providing the gentle rhythm as Marley delivers a most impassioned vocal next to a gorgeous female falsetto. 'Lick Samba' on the flip closes out a must-cop, unique single.
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.